अग्निं हुत्वा प्रदायार्घ्यमतिथीन् प्रतिपूज्य च | वानप्रस्थ्येन धर्मेण स तेषां भोजनं ददौ || ३-१२-२७
After giving oblations to the fire, and providing respectful offerings, the sage worshipped the guests according to the tradition of hermits and served them food. [3-12-27]
And then the great sage Agastya, knower of dharma first took his seat and addressed Rama, an expert in the knowledge of dharma, seated with folded palms : - [3-12-28]
- 'Oh ! scion of the Kakutstha dynasty, only after offering oblations to the Firegod, a guest should be worshipped with water etc. Otherwise the host will have to eat his own flesh in the other world like a false witness. [3-12-29]
You are king of all the worlds, a follower of dharma, a great warrior worthy of worship and an esteemed self. Oh ! Rama you are such a dear guest come to me.' [3-12-30]